hanon = Harmfull??

[ethelion1373]

some great books says that hanon is harmfull, i want to know your opinion here also.

[rmbarbosa]

There`s a division of opinions about Hanon, in this Forum. I dont think Hanon is harmful, if you play it well and, if possible, with a teacher looking for you (but a good teacher, because there are a lot of "teachers" who teach nothing). Another thing is if Hanon is the best choice and useful and it is here that opinions diverge. In this Forum, you have a lot of posts about Hanon. Have a look.
Best wishes.
Rui

[ethelion1373]

ok,ll check out tnx rui

[keyboardclass]

Don't follow the preface and lift your fingers above the keys - it's potentially harmful.  Don't do them mechanically either - use your ear.

[pianisten1989]

It's no use to say "Don't do that! Then it's harmful!" None is the same. Try for yourself! If you feel pain in your fingers, you should stop, and maybe try the next day. But ask your teacher what's best for you. S/he will give 1000 times better advice than we can, since she knows you.

[orangesodaking]

I like Hanon. Currently, Hanon is helping me with trills and octaves.

But like any technical exercise, it could be harmful if you don't do it well (start of slow). I guess not having tension is the key to not being harmed, but I'm no expert, just a student.

[birba]

The particular excercise or study matters little.  It's HOW it's played that counts.  And for that you need a teacher, usually.  Hanon, in itself, is quite harmless.  Just don't hold those long notes down.  (To tell you the truth, I never touched him but I think he has holding notes down while playing with the others)

[stevebob]

If you need Hanon, then you'll benefit from it.  If you benefit from Hanon, then you needed it.

If you don't need it, though, there are unquestionably better uses for one's time at the piano.

[rmbarbosa]

As I can remember, Hanon has not holded keys while playing other keys. But he says that one must lift up very high your fingers, after the holding wich is not correct, namely if you intend to play legato. There are 3 basic movements: 1 - holding (must be done fast, with a uniform accelarated movement; 2 -an instant of pressure at the bottom of the keydrop immediately followed by the release; 3 - the lifting, also very fast (doing so you`ll achieve a "perled" sound). But fingers must stay on the keys, except if you desire a "non legato" or a stacato. So, if you play Hanon, try to do so, not like he says, ok?
Best wishes
Rui

[keyboardclass]

Rui's right - fingers must stay on the keys.

[musicsminion]

I disagree with the whole Hanon=Harmful thing.

Do you know how many times Hanon has saved me from my bad technique?


In no way is Hanon harmful.

[ramseytheii]

I disagree with the whole Hanon=Harmful thing.

Do you know how many times Hanon has saved me from my bad technique?


In no way is Hanon harmful.

Did you play Hanon the way that Hanon proscribed it to be played?

Walter Ramsey

[orangesodaking]

Yeah, I remember playing Hanon how my teacher told me, not how Hanon suggested. But it did help with my technique too.

[pianisten1989]

Did you play Hanon the way that Hanon proscribed it to be played?

Walter Ramsey

I did.. Though, I didn't play them like "omg, I'll improve my technique in a week!" and practised for 10 straight hours.

Technique takes time to improve, and if you try to make it too fast, It'll go slower. Take your time, and practise maximum 30 minutes in a row, and slowly, without feeling any pressure or tension in your arms.

[timothy42b]

I heard an interview on Public Radio with a very famous jazz pianist whose name I disremember.

He said he used Hanon to warmup.  Then he demonstrated.

He played Hanon exercises with the left hand (at considerable tempo) while improvising melody over it with the right hand. 

It sounded awesome. 

Wish I could remember his name.  Anybody know? 

[dss62467]

If you need Hanon, then you'll benefit from it.  If you benefit from Hanon, then you needed it.

If you don't need it, though, there are unquestionably better uses for one's time at the piano.

I like that!  Very well said.